It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Michael and Mariah are out of hibernation, the Christmas markets are in full swing, and you're running out of chocolates in the advent calendar. 

But with the cost of living crisis and a tight student budget, we know that Christmas can feel less wonderful than the song suggests...

This is a quick guide to the having the BEST Christmas on a student budget - from decorating, Christmas dinner, and travelling home in time for the big day!

Decorations

It really doesn’t feel like Christmas until your home is covered from top to bottom in tinsel and fairy lights, but of course Christmas decorations can be expensive...

So why not try making them yourself! Not only is this good for your pockets, it’s a great way to unwind after a day of lectures and spend time with your housemates.

In true Blue Peter fashion, you can make snowflake decorations with white paper/card, or you can grab some festive red and green paper (or even wrapping paper!) to make Christmas paper chains. And if you’re feeling really creative you can even get some cheap baubles and customise them however you like!

Gift Giving

Buying gifts at Christmas can be a lot of fun, but can very easily add up if you're buying gifts for all the important people in your life.

One of the best ways to save money - especially when buying presents for your friends - is by organising a secret Santa. It means everyone gets a gift and no one has to spend loads of money on a gift for each one of their friends!

There are loads of ways to organise a secret Santa, but a great way is by using a website such as Draw Names  where everyone in your group can put in their name and email, then you’ll all receive an email with a link to draw a name!

To make things even easier, you can even add exclusions on who can draw who and each person can add a wish list (especially useful if you already have enough socks!).

Christmas Dinner

Cooking a Christmas dinner with your friends is a great way not just to celebrate Christmas, but also the end of the trimester! But with the cost of food rising, things can add up really quickly.

Whether you’re planning for 4 people or 14 people, the best place to start is by working out what each person is willing to spend and setting yourself a strict budget. Then make yourself a list and stick to it - we know how tempting that middle aisle is!

You can also save some cash by only buying what you’re going to eat; if one person likes sprouts, you might have to skip them. Also, frozen veg is a cheaper alternative!

Travel

If you're heading home on the train, remember that the earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets will generally be. You can also use a 16-25 railcard to save yourself 1/3 of rail fares!

Try to avoid peak times and reserve yourself a seat as soon as you have a date in mind. This also applies if you want to travel with Megabus or National Express coaches. You don't want to miss out on a seat!

The same applies for those of you who might be driving home - avoid peak times and you could save yourself hours stuck in traffic. There's only so many times you can play Chris Rea before going insane!